Councillors submit motion for business plan on Berry Hill Park takeover

Berry Hill Park is set to close later this month after trustees announced they could no longer afford its upkeep.

But three councillors have now called on Mansfield District Council to draw up a business plan and take over management of the popular park.

It comes after hundreds of residents protested the park’s closure, demanding that a solution is found.

Councillor Stephen Garner, Coun Andy Sissons and Coun Sid Walker put forward a motion to the authority, suggesting council ownership is “the only option” to prevent the park from closing.

Coun Garner said: “Berry Hill Park was given to the people to belong the people, and not for the purpose of profit or building developments.

“We have put called for a business plan which sees the council take over control of the park - including ownership, maintenance and control.

“It will cost the council between £40,000 and £60,000 each year, and from the rally at the weekend it is clear closure is not an option so this is important.

“The council stepping in now is the only way to protect this park.”

The motion is set to be discussed at a council meeting next week.